Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Full of energy! Indoor activity ideas to get kids moving

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

There are times when the weather or location keeps you from playing outside, right?

You still want to get moving and play with your energetic kids, even just a little.

For teachers who feel this way, here are some ideas for indoor active play.

The games that captivate children vary depending on their age and interests.

This time, we’ve gathered activities that involve different movements and creative thinking—so you’re sure to find ideas that fit your class perfectly!

Kids will be thrilled with games that are possible precisely because they’re indoors.

Teachers, have fun together with the children, too.

[Childcare] Full of Energy! Indoor Physical Activity Ideas (31–40)

Red Light, Green Light: the daruma who delivers the ball

Hula hoops are safe bases! Let me share an idea for a “Red Light, Green Light” style game where you deliver a ball.

You’ll need more hula hoops than the number of children playing, plus a ball.

You have to move forward to carry the ball, but if you step outside a hula hoop, you get caught! It’s a unique game that lets kids enjoy that thrilling tension.

Even if you’re thinking about which hula hoop to move to, you might end up choosing the same one as a friend.

It seems great for developing quick decision-making skills, too.

Give it a try!

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Reaction Game

Even toddlers can do it! Here’s a reaction game (recreation game) using markers.

Reaction Game

Let’s play with color markers! Here’s a reaction game idea.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants to get kids moving and playing together.

Arrange colorful markers in a circle and place a marker or token in the center—then you’re ready to go.

When the teacher gives the signal, participants circle around the center.

You can make it more fun by adding variations, like switching direction when the teacher claps.

It’s a simple game where players try to find the marker that matches the color of the one the teacher raises along with the signal.

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Mimic Animal Rock-Paper-Scissors

[Kids’ Exercise You Can Do at Home] Copycat Animal Rock-Paper-Scissors (Preschool to Lower Elementary)

Mimic Animal Rock-Paper-Scissors

Here’s a game called “Copycat Animal Rock-Paper-Scissors” that helps children of different ages interact and become friends.

At the cue, “Copycat animal, rock-paper-scissors—go!” everyone strikes an animal pose.

If both partners choose the same animal pose, they earn 1 point; if they choose different poses, they spin around once on the spot.

It’s recommended that teachers and children decide the set of animal poses in advance.

You may see older children teaching the animal poses to younger ones.

Come up with lots of pose variations and have fun!

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Mark-finding game

[For 5-year-olds] Mark-Finding Game!

Mark-finding game

The “Mark Hunt Game,” where you walk along specified marks like circles, triangles, and squares, is an indoor activity recommended for children aged five and up.

First, tape several sheets of paper with different marks drawn on them to the floor to make a path.

Also prepare one sheet for each type of mark at the goal.

The children start while holding a ball.

It’s best to play barefoot so they don’t slip.

At the end, count how many balls were correctly placed at the goal for each team.

Competing by team and counting out loud together makes it really exciting!

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Sinking Game

[For Childcare Workers] Teacher Rio’s Active Play That Gets Kids Excited [The Sinking Game]

Sinking Game

This is an indoor recreation activity where the entire room is imagined as the sea, and the goal is to escape without being caught by the shark.

An adult plays the role of the shark, while the participating children wait on islands—mats and the like—imagined as boats.

When the shark says “It’s sinking!”, the boat they’re on is considered to sink into the sea, so they must move to a different boat before the shark catches them.

The shark may use feints by saying confusing words like “cheese,” or whisper “It’s sinking,” which requires concentration and quick judgment.

That’s why it’s an activity children become totally absorbed in.

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Hoshino Takashi

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